The Power of Visualization to Identify a Path Forward
Visualization can enable you to picture the best alternative future, clarify your next steps, and even envision a dream you didn’t know you had. Visualization is the mental faculty of conceiving an imaginary or a mental picture of something. It allows you to access your mind’s eye and explore a desired outcome. And it can be used effectively with clients.
What Makes Visualization Powerful?
The ability to train your neural network and focus your attention makes visualization powerful. It’s like cutting a path through a corn maze to get to the other side much quicker the next time. Visualization allows you to unlock things within yourself that you may not be aware exists. It’s a way to teleport yourself into the future and see what’s possible.
Visualization is a form of mental conditioning. The neural circuity that gets activated when you participate in a visualization is some of the same as if you were actually doing the activity. This is why visualization or mental rehearsals are powerfully used by athletes to excel in their sport—seeing the perfect shot, hit or race.
As a human being, you are wired to attract and notice data that validates or reinforces the perception or belief you hold. Most importantly, the mind believes whatever you tell it. Visualization can effectively be used to set your intention and help direct your attention in new ways.
When Can You Use Visualization?
You can use visualization anytime. It’s particularly useful to access a broader perspective, a desired outcome like a new role or business model, or in moving beyond sabotaging energy or a mental block. You can do visualization for yourself or for a client.
As an example, a coach can use it with a client who wants to resolve a conflict with another person. You can invite your client to:
- Experience the situation through their own physiology and emotions in the present.
- Invite them to “get in the other person’s shoes” in an embodied way and explore their thoughts and emotions.
- Step into the persona of an unbiased observer to harvest insights and wisdom.
How Do You Do It with a Client?
Before you start, check your beliefs. Do you believe visualization could be powerful? If you have doubts, use a different method. Remember, your mind believes what you tell it. If in doubt, switch it out. If you are open minded, dive in.
There are many visualization exercises available, or you can create one of your own. Use these steps to guide your work with a client:
- Ground yourself ahead of time using your favorite mindful technique. Don’t have one? Try a minute of focused breathing.
- Get clear on your client’s desired outcome. For example, “Gain clarity on my career direction.”
- Explore where the client is to ensure they are not in a triggered state. Invite them to access a state where they feel calm and curious about the possibilities. A body scan can be helpful here.
- Offer your client the option for a visualization exercise. Encourage them to pay attention to whatever comes up, including sensations and thoughts. Let them know it’s OK if they don’t “see” anything.
- Take your time. If you’re able to visually see them, mirror their breathing and allow adequate time for them to access their mind’s eye. If the visualization requires them to take on different roles or do a compare-and-contrast exercise, be sure to have them “break state” in between so they disassociate from one experience before stepping into another.
- Watch their facial expressions for clues. Ask them to share along the way, if appropriate. If by phone, tap into your own sensations and listen closely to their breathing, words and emotions.
- Invite them to verbalize the experience and write down key insights. Explore.
- Coach them to identify an action they will take and discover what support they need.
If doing a visualization for yourself, modify these steps to coach yourself.
Empower Yourself, Empower Others
Our mind craves a sense of control. The superpower of visualization is how it enables us to build positive neural pathways and focus our mind on a desired outcome.
Use visualization to tap into an older, wiser self or an alternate future to identify your path forward and help your clients do the same.
© Masterful Collaboration 2020
Carmen Acton, MCC, MBA (USA)
Carmen Acton, MCC, MBA, is a leadership elevation and development coach and process consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA. She is committed to sparking insights and actions that matter. She works with motivated, high-potential mid- to senior-level leaders to elevate leadership and business performance in a complex world. Carmen is a certified DISC and EIQ-2 practitioner.
The views and opinions expressed in guest posts featured on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the International Coach Federation (ICF). The publication of a guest post on the ICF Blog does not equate to an ICF endorsement or guarantee of the products or services provided by the author.
Additionally, for the purpose of full disclosure and as a disclaimer of liability, this content was possibly generated using the assistance of an AI program. Its contents, either in whole or in part, have been reviewed and revised by a human. Nevertheless, the reader/user is responsible for verifying the information presented and should not rely upon this article or post as providing any specific professional advice or counsel. Its contents are provided “as is,” and ICF makes no representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law specifically disclaims any and all liability for any damages or injuries resulting from use of or reliance thereupon.
The author provides both a compelling and a clear way to lead clients through a visualization process. I really appreciate how she includes instruction on how to touch base with your own belief and preconceptions before embarking on using this “superpower” with a client. Great resource!
Thanks Wendy! this is a great tool for use in these challenging times
Hi Carmen,
I like and agree with your comment about us checking our own beliefs. If we believe something is helpful, there is a much better chance our client will experience it that way.
Couldn’t agree more Andrea. Fundamentally it’s about being congruent in offering our clients opportunities to explore in different ways that we believe could be beneficial. Thanks for sharing your perspective.